International Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation

Date/Time:

August 19, 2020 - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Audience:

Students NEW to US and MSU and TEACHING

Registration:

Registration is required.

Location:

Virtual -with a combination of modules, synchronous and asynchronous delivery

Goal:

Introduce International Graduate Teaching Assistants to cultural differences in living, teaching and learning in the U.S. as compared to their home countries. Interact with other new and current International Graduate Students and Graduate Teaching Assistants regarding navigating life, procedures, and resources.

International Graduate Teaching Assistants will be able to …

  • describe how their home culture differs from the U.S. culture
  • compare and contrast their teaching and learning experiences between their home countries and the U.S.
  • articulate questions pertaining to navigating life, procedures and resources in East Lansing and at MSU
  • acquaint themselves with services to help with adjustment to their new environment and role.

Agenda:

  1. Welcome to the U.S. (2:00 pm – 2:45 pm)
      1. Pre-Completion Module on D2L
        1. Introduce yourself with your preferred medium/video etc.
        2. Narrated PowerPoint about “Living in the U.S.”
      2. Synchronous Discussion about cultural differences with guided questions
        1. Icebreaker to see what countries are represented
        2. Breakout Rooms with specific questions about cultural differences

    5 min Break

  2. Welcome to Teaching in the U.S. (2:50 pm – 3:35 pm)
    1. Pre-Completion Module
      Narrated Powerpoint: “Teaching in the U.S.”
    2. Synchronous Discussion about Teaching in the U.S. with guided questions
      1. Breakout Rooms with specific questions about cultural differences
      2. Community Building: My GTA Family

    10 min Break

  3. Introduction to Resources and Panel of Returning International GTAs for Questions (3:45 pm – 4:45 pm)
    1. Resources available for adjusting to living and teaching in the U.S. (approx. 30 min)
      • SPEAK and ELC offerings
      • Writing Center
      • GEU representation information
      • Practical Information & #iteachmsu Resource Guide
    2. Panel of International Students to answer questions (approx. 30 min)
  4. Wrap- Up and Announcements